Oat milk chia pudding is one of my all-time favorite easy breakfasts or snacks. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, thanks to the chia seeds and oat milk combo. I love that it’s super customizable and requires only a few simple ingredients. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep since you can make it ahead and enjoy it anytime you want. Today, I’m going to walk you through a slightly unique version with a coconut-vanilla twist and a hint of citrus zest that really elevates this classic pudding to the next level.
Table of contents
What You Need
To make this oat milk chia pudding for four servings, you’ll need the basics: chia seeds and oat milk. I always opt for a creamy, unsweetened oat milk to let the natural flavors shine through, but feel free to use your favorite brand. The unique twist here comes from adding coconut cream, which adds a luscious richness and more depth of flavor than just straight oat milk.
For sweetness, I use pure maple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma. To brighten things up, I like to add a little lemon or orange zest — it’s subtle but makes all the difference. Lastly, adding a pinch of salt helps balance flavors perfectly.
Preparing The Ingredients
Start by measuring out your chia seeds into a mixing bowl or a large jar with a lid. Then whisk in the oat milk and coconut cream to create an ultra-smooth base. Add your maple syrup and vanilla extract next, and give the whole mixture a good stir. Make sure the chia seeds aren’t clumping together; they should be evenly distributed for the best texture.
Next, grate just a small amount of lemon or orange zest — around half a teaspoon is enough to brighten the pudding without overpowering it. Add this zest along with a pinch of salt into your mixture, then stir well. After mixing, it’s important to let the pudding sit for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the chia seeds to fully soak up the liquid and create that signature pudding texture.
Tool Requirements
You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe — just a few kitchen basics that most people already have. A medium mixing bowl or a large jar with a lid is perfect for combining and storing your pudding while it sets. If you want a super smooth consistency, a whisk is helpful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly. Otherwise, a spoon works fine.
For zesting the citrus, a microplane or a fine grater is ideal to get the delicate zest without the bitter pith. And if you’re planning to serve this pudding nicely, small glass jars or cups make a great presentation, especially if you’re sharing with friends or family.
Serving Suggestions
This oat milk chia pudding is so versatile you can enjoy it in many creative ways. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas to keep things exciting:
Layer it in a jar with fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes for a tropical parfait vibe.
Top with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for a crunchy contrast.
Add a dollop of almond butter or your favorite nut butter for extra creaminess and protein.
Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or agave if you want more sweetness.
Sprinkle some cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings for a decadent treat.
Storage Tips
This oat milk chia pudding stores wonderfully in the fridge, making it an excellent grab-and-go option for busy mornings. Here are some storage tips to keep your pudding fresh:
Store in an airtight container or individual jars with tight-fitting lids to prevent odors from other foods from seeping in.
Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days – the texture and flavor stay great during this time.
If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of oat milk before eating to loosen it up.
You can prepare it in bulk for the week and portion it out for easy breakfasts.
Oat Milk Chia Pudding (With A Twist)
Discover the creamy delight of oat milk chia pudding with a tropical coconut vanilla twist! This vegan, gluten-free breakfast or snack is packed with nutrients, lightly sweetened with maple syrup, and brightened with fresh citrus zest. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Save and share this wholesome oat milk chia pudding recipe to enjoy a delicious, healthy treat anytime!
Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.
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